LIFE SHOULD BE LIVED

It has been a rollercoast of emotions this week for me. It has gotten so that I don’t know what to expect each day. So far, after arising in good spirits, I have received news of two deaths. One of my friends, Michael Sears, and the other of Mrs. Jones who is part of my husband’s family. All very sad. My prayers remain with the Sears and Jones families.

On the other hand, I’m feeling happy because God is blessing me in ministry. Allowing me to be a blessing and impacting others in a positive way. Allowing His light to shine through me. God is using me as His vessel, as His instrument. This is all that I desire in life. It really is. I don’t ask for much. I don’t need much. I just want to be a blessing.

I am looking forward to even more great things in the new year. God has already given me my theme as He does for each year.

My theme for the new year:

God’s own time, not mine, in 2009

I’m expecting great things in 2009 because God has assured me that He has some remarkable things in store for my husband and I in 2009. But, He is in control. He is ordering our steps. He is opening the doors. He is leading the way. He has been preparing us and shaping us. But it will be His divine time that it will all unfold. He has revealed this to Jerry as well.

So, I am full of joy and expectancy.

I am sad about the deaths this week. But I do know that each person is now in a better place. Finally at real peace.

I’m a little………well, I’ll be honest and say that I am VERY angry about a situation that has so many layers of being pathetic. My sister-in-law is ill and I’d asked for prayer for her. Someone emailed me expressing that they’re sorry she is ill (and note, did not offer prayer), but went on to make a sales pitch for a product. Now, I understand how their product relates, but the procedure they used to approach me was in my mind quite low. It angered me, very much. I did not respond right away because I knew that it would not have been nice. I believe that the person meant well, but the sad part is that they are driven by making a sale. Another client. More money. That is what’s sad. And it all boils down to what I speak about all of the time. Knowing, or not knowing, one’s purpose in life.

I believe that they think that they’re selling something that will help people, and I’m sure it does. But, as an individual, they have to rise above their product and have a desire to simply want to help people, not to get their money. Which, by the way, I don’t have any money so they won’t or can’t get anything from me anyway! If they really wanted to help, they should have offered prayer, and perhaps offered the product at no charge! Not saying that I would have accepted, and even to do that is walking a very thin line of being an ambulance chaser, but it would have shown that their heart was for my sister-in-law and me.

I was writing this blog as I read their email, so that is why the tenor of this post has changed. But I realize that it happened at this time for a reason. It is timely because it ties in to what my heart has been feeling and has tried to say above. I am rejoicing that God continues to work through me to be a blessing. Period. I do what I do simply because I love the Lord, and I love people. I know that it is my purpose and my design to want to bless, inspire, encourage, uplift, and empower others. Although I, like anyone else, need to make an income, I don’t do what I do to make money. I am more concerned about people receiving what God has put in me to give to them.

I’m not knocking ANYONE for making a living. Not at all. But, I am knocking anyone who is driven solely to make money. Ask yourself, is money your *only* motivation? Are you doing what you were called to do? Are you walking in your purpose? If so, God will provide your income as you joyfully do your job. And you wouldn’t take inappropriate advantage of people when they’re most vulnerable. Nor would your every waking thought, action, and words be about making money and collecting and gaining new clients.

Life is so much more than that! If you don’t know that, then you are not living at all.

Carla Y. Nix